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Socio-economic differentials in peripheral biology: cumulative allostatic load
Teresa Seeman1, Elissa Epel, Tara Gruenewald
1Division of Geriatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1687, USA. tseeman@mednet.ucla.edu
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|March 6, 2010
Summary
Socio-economic status (SES) is linked to cumulative physiological wear, known as allostatic load. Lower SES accelerates aging and increases disease risk by impacting multiple biological systems over a lifetime.
Area of Science:
- Social Epidemiology
- Physiological Aging
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Socio-economic status (SES) is a significant determinant of health outcomes.
- The concept of allostatic load explains the cumulative physiological burden of chronic stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence linking SES to peripheral biological markers.
- To examine the role of allostatic load in mediating SES-related health disparities.
- To explore gene-environment interactions in health and aging.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on SES and physiological aging.
- Analysis of allostatic load as a mediator of SES gradients in morbidity and mortality.
- Discussion of gene-environment interactions.
Main Results:
- Lower SES is associated with accelerated aging across multiple physiological systems.
- Cumulative physiological dysregulation is more prevalent in lower SES populations.
- Physiological dysregulation mediates SES disparities in disease and death.
Conclusions:
- Social conditions significantly impact biological regulation and aging.
- Allostatic load provides a framework for understanding how SES affects health.
- Future research on gene-environment interactions is crucial for understanding health inequalities.
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